Snowdonia echoes to the sound of steam., _._ ._ a gain!
FFESTINIOG& Welsh Highland Railways general manager Paul Lewin has praised his team who managed to restore public services on both lines after the Welsh Government gave the nod.
As reported last issue, services on the Ffestiniog Railway resumed on July 20. Those on the Welsh Highland Railway followed on August 18, but trains were restricted to running from Caernarfon as far south only as Beddglert, where passengers were afforded a 90- minute shopping break.
It was decided not to run WHR services all the way to Porthmadog Harbour at this stage, because of the difficulties in maintaining social distancing if a crowd of passengers boarded or alighted a WHR or FR train at the same time.
Paul said: "The Covid- 19 lockdown has presented a constant stream of challenges to all heritage railways and the Ff& WHR is no exception. With just two weeks' notice after coming to an understanding with the Welsh Government, the Ffestiniog was up and running with a Covid- secure operation, different in almost every way from standard operations.
"WHR services presented some different challenges and it took quite some time to develop an operating scheme that was acceptable to the company board as meeting the required level of
safety for staff and passengers.
"Once the plan was approved, the Ff& WHR team again swung into action and in just 1 O days delivered the first public service.
"I would like to go on record as thanking all the Ff& WHR team. The ' can do' attitude shown by the team lifts our spirits and is a real inspiration. Nothing has been too much trouble: staff and volunteers alike have pitched in to help. Their performance, attitude and determination stands out as an
example to all, pulling together more than ever in times of adversity:'
The relaunch of the WHR began with a thorough inspection of all structures following a massive clearance of lineside vegetation that had sprouted since lockdown began in March.
All signal and telegraph equipment had to be tested, and the carriage fleet was subjected to anti- viral cleaning, as well as a thorough inspection.
Funkey Bo- Bo diesel Vale of Ffestiniog was transferred from the FR to act as a standby.
Whereas the FR service train made use of heritage compartment stock to maintain social distancing, on the WHR, the more modern carriages had alternate bays taken out of service, to comply with social distancing. Services were extended by up to 12 carriages, giving 30 seating bays available on each train, with no first class seats and up to six people
allowed per bay. Two small toilet compartments can be used on board the trains.
The stations then had to be marked out with social distancing systems.
Because dining is not available in this service, the WHR organised a special hamper. It has so far proved very popular, with the hampers collected from Caernarfon station, where Cafe De Winton is open for table service and takeaway orders both for passengers and general
public. Paul said that the hamper service was proving very popular with around 30 sold each day.
Finally, risk assessments were carried across the line, and two test trains were run.
The first services were hauled by 1936- built Cockerill articulated Garratt No. 87.
The initial WHR service will operate between Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday until September 19.